faith . hope . home . love

Finding Meaning in the Things That Last

For a month I’ve been pondering that statement tucked away in the recesses of my mind. As an older friend of ours at church handed out boxes of homemade fudge at Christmas and then courageously and gracefully shared the news that he was facing an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, this was his follow up statement:

Everything is temporary.

We tend to think value and security is found in building our storehouses of financial security and a stocked pantry and a concrete career path. But the real priceless and lasting beauty is in holding everything loosely. Everything we now know will be forgotten at some time or another.

I spent most of last year holding tightly to patterns and ideas of what I wanted to do with my life trying to build a sewing hobby into an empire that only served to stitch me up in scheduling knots, make me cranky and isolate me from family and friends with each new project or challenge.

Sewing can be such a solitary thing… I just couldn’t understand it but it was as if the anointing had come off of the talent that sustained us so well through the desert of unemployment a few years back.

It was the right rain for the right season, but still temporary.

So after good counsel I stopped and stepped back for a while at the end of last summer. I chose to get still and quiet. Put away the needle and the needing to build my own kingdom here.

A few months later I tried to water the seeds of sewing again, but nope, still dry. After a revelation last week I’m finally peacefully laying aside that dream because it’s ok to admit that you’re not meant to do something after all.

And there is great value in that.

Jobs and sometimes callings are temporary. But if we can look at everything as one more step in the refining process we’ll be well on our way to understanding how to truly follow the good Shepherd.

This is the blessed life- not anxious to see far in front nor careful about the next step, not eager to choose the path, not weighted with the heavy responsibilities of the future but quietly following behind the Shepherd one step at a time. ~ Streams in the Desert, January 14

I’m still sheepishly fleshing out this whole idea of how to follow {and I suspect maybe you are too?} Sometimes it just takes time to learn where to draw the line but lately my line is leading me straight to you and this little community that we experience here on the blog and in real life.

For I’m convinced that life is far richer when we are connected with each other as sisters {and brothers!} in Christ.

As this brave new year dawns I can see prayers in my heart making their way to paper and slowly God seems to be leading me into several new things {and maybe he’s doing the same for you too?}

The first was the desire to participate in or lead a bible study. I picked up Angie Smith’s study of the whole entire bible (ambitious I know…) called “Seamless” last year and prayed over finding a group to share it with.

Ya’ll know my artsy tendencies and some of you know how much I’m convinced that you are an artist too. Yes, I’m talking to you! Everyone is creative in some way because we are made in the image of a master creator himself.

Lately I’ve been drawn to this art of serving up a connecting experience with you, your friends and family… a custom made get together to cultivate your own artistry and faith through thoughtful and easy crafts and re-purposing projects all presented in the comfort of your own home.

Now I’m not sure if it would come in the form of a one day retreat or a home party (I’m content to let God lead on that one!) but I’d love to know what YOU think about this idea of sharing “me-to” moments, savoring relationships (and some sweet and savory treats!), carrying a craft (or three!) home reminding you of a treasured verse and time together, plugging into a community of faithful followers of Christ created to do the good works he planned for us long ago and becoming equipped to introduce those truths maybe to some friends that have yet to hear them.

As I follow God’s steps in exploring this offering I know it will only be beneficial to you if I know your story because it helps me that much more to inspire, transform, revive and encourage you and I cherish your feedback– leave me a comment below? Or drop me a note through recollecteddesign@gmail.com? A few things on my heart to ask you:

♥ What are the most challenging areas of your life that you crave more simplicity in?

♥ Does the opportunity to share your faith in new and creative ways within your circle of friends excite you?

♥ Would the idea of gathering a few friends, paying a nominal fee for supplies and hosting a Crafting Faith @ Home party if you live in the Goochland, Powhatan, Short Pump or Henrico, VA area be appealing to you?

So there you have it… two opportunities to know each other more…online and locally because we are meant for each other.

…♥…

I know this is a lot to take in so I’ll end with this…

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we livewith great expectation,and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. ~ 1 Peter 1:3-4

That verse was sort of an answer to the prayers I offered for my friend. It reminds me that no matter what, his home in heaven has been eternally secured. It also pricks my heart when I procrastinate or wish for a happier outlook when the sun refuses to shine. We are only here on this earth for a little while and everything truly is temporary but we are invited by a loving and gracious God to make the most of it today- not tomorrow.

And even if you’re not feeling led to take up either of the two invitations above can I invite you to invest in your relationships this week– with God and each other? To come along side and share our stories and our faith is paramount and I don’t want to miss an opportunity to invest in those treasures that will truly last for eternity.

Would you join me?

♥

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. ~ Ephesians 2:10

P.S. We are created to create- YES that means you too! Looking for more ways to practice Crafting Faith @ Home? It’s my pleasure to create connection, community and sometimes cute stuff just for you! And I’d love it if you’d join our little tribe. Justclick right here to get the scoop and a set of printable scripture cards! Can’t wait to meet you soon in your inbox.

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14 thoughts on “Finding Meaning in the Things That Last”

Heather, I love your heart to follow God’s leading. Sometimes when He changes direction for us, we feel like we’ve missed Him or heard Him wrong. But like you said, sometimes its just a temporary assignment. I love that you your just stepping out and trying. That is something He’s been speaking to me as well, just go for it! From a fellow Virginia girl to another, Great job! You heart to serve God and others is making and impact!

Oh Hello my Virginia girl Alisa!! Do you still live here? I’m 20 miles west of Richmond… Thanks for your sweet comment and may I pray for you to step into whatever he’s calling you to! I would love to hear more ♥

So you’re the one doing the study with Valerie. 🙂 I wish I could join it, but I’m not on Facebook. It sounds great though. I pray God will truly bless it! I especially love this thought – “But if we can look at everything as one more step in the refining process we’ll be well on our way to understanding how to truly follow the good Shepherd.” Thank you for pointing us to this hope, Heather.

Awww hey Trudy yes I am her co-conspirator! We’ll see how it goes
: ) I’m sure God will give us some interesting things through it to talk about on our blogs! Thanks for stopping over for a read and for taking the time to leave your sweet comment ♥

Oh I just love the thought that all things are indeed temporary — how often we forget! Your post just brings me back to the idea of community and how God wants that for us {when so often I’m tempted to just stay in my own little cocoon}. I am so excited about all that God has in store for us this year as we share our stories and I can’t wait to kick off this study with you, friend! xo

as busy as my day ever is…I take time to read your blog. It really speaks to me. I hope to see you Friday—-I’ll be home w/or w/out baby depending on snow. Just let me know if you can make it or need me to drive over to Goochland and take you to lunch (IF i DON”T have bebe.)
cannot wait to talk. take care dear one.

Awww! I am hoping to see you but it’s all dependent on how the snow blows… I really want it to go somewhere other than here so we can keep our date! ♥ We will touch base. Thanks for always sharing your time to read my little writings…♥

Heather … you are just grabbing brave with both hands and blazing a trail, friend. Such exciting things God is doing in your life. While He’s shifted that calling, He certainly is not allowing your gifts to go unused. What a precious testament to the fact that while God re-directs us, if we allow Him to have His way we are still and always walking in those good things He’s prepared for us. He is writing great plans over your life and I’m expectant of all He is going to do. Blessings to you, friend!

Thank you for your sweet encouragement Tiffany ♥ It’s more like I’m just trying to hold onto “brave” as it whips me along…! I’m finding it’s much easier to let God re-direct my steps ever so often than to run too far headlong in my own direction without his counsel. Hope you are having a “wonder” full day 😉

Heather, what exciting things God is doing in your life! Yes, it scary when we have to lay one dream down but I’m believing God has something magnificent for you. Such encouraging, heart-felt words here. Water for my soul. Thank you.